Mumbai, Oct 11 (IANS) The Indian film industry's biggest stars like Dilip Kumar, Yash Chopra, Shah Rukh Khan and to southern superstar Rajinikanth to high profile politicians like Praful Patel flocked to the big bash organised here Wednesday to usher in the living legend Amitabh Bachchan's 70th birthday.

The red carpet was rolled out for as many as 800 guests at the Reliance Media Work, Film City, Goregaon

Amitabh, dressed in a black velvet outfit, came with his family -- wife Jaya Bachchan, son Abhishek, daughter Shweta, daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai -- and he too walked the red carpet with live orchestra playing hit numbers from his films.

Big B, who turns 70 Thursday, told media, "Thanks for coming", while Aishwarya, flaunting a cream long dress with golden detailed work all over, told reporters, "We are so happy that we are all here today celebrating his birthday. Thank you so much."

Shabana Azmi called him an "iconic figure" and added: "I got an opportunity to work with him. He is my favourite."

Madhuri wished him all the "happiness and success", while Juhi said: "I respect him, admire him and I had a great time working with him."

Vidya, who played his mom in "Paa", said that "he is an inspiration not only for actors but for everyone".

From down south, Chiranjeevi, Nagarjuna, Ram Charan Teja were present among others.

If glamour was at its high, the big names from political corridor including Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Praful Patel, Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray, Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav and his son and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav gathered here to wish Big B.